Advertisement. On this site you will find articles that cover every basic thing that a turtle owner needs to know, as well as all the advanced stuff. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. 3. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Already have a myVCA account? This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. Clean up all feces right away. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. The problem may be due to an inappropriate diet that may be too high in protein and fat or may be imbalanced in vitamins and minerals. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. Digging and moving around in the aquarium are also positive behaviors that mean your turtle is happy. It is not illegal to own or to buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches, again, unless it is a protected species. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. Will turtle pee hurt you? How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. Instead, they will only do so if they are ill or trying to conserve water. Forming a bond with your pet over time and gaining its trust will also help to prevent it feeling stressed when you pick it up. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. Turtles who are used to handling usually won't release any body fluids while you handle them, but if they are young or not used to people, it's going to happen. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. If your turtle opens its mouth and moves its head upward when you pet it, you should stop because this is a sign of discomfort. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. Your email address will not be published. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Its best for your turtle to have something to rest their feet on, whether thats your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can hold. Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. By the time you notice this, the underlying problem likely has been going on for quite a while and may have serious long-term effects on the turtle's health. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Use a filter to keep the tank clean and be sure to change the filter regularly. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. Luckily, the turtle's cloaca -- the rear end hole (not an anus) that allows the reptile to excrete, urinate, and lay its eggs -- features two sacs, or bursa, which more efficiently absorb oxygen. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. Your email address will not be published. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. turtles "pee" (actually it's not urine, it's just water from their anal bladder that stores water to help the females lay eggs and also helps turts breathing under water ) because they are scared. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. They love the water. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. So, between the natural competition for food, the uncertainty of the weather, and disease, your pet will have little chance of survival, not to mention the damage it might cause to native animals. Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. Its consistency may be moderate, liquid or dry, and depends on the amount consumed by a person fluid, climatic conditions, violations of the functional activity of the urinary organs. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. And do turtles pee is one of them. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. But straining that hard is an indication of a serious problem He may have an intestinal blockage, and straining can cause him to have an intestinal prolapse when part of the intestine comes out of the cloaca/anus. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. 7 Things That Can Make Your Pet Turtle Sick, Turtles 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Turtle's Tank, Turtle FAQs: What Kind of Turtle Do I Have and More, any pet has the potential to transmit disease, unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends. In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large, black organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert back into the shell easily. A good opportunity to handle your pet turtle is when its getting some sun. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. Salts also accumulate in the plant's leaves, potentially causing . Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. Can A Turtle Pee on You? 96 Continue this thread In turtles, a prolapse occurs when an organ (such as the intestine, cloaca, urinary bladder, uterus, or penis) protrudes from the vent (the opening in the underside of the tail from which the turtle passes droppings). The process is just a little different for each species. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? However, someone who owns a turtle and can no longer care for it might think that theres a perfect spot in a nearby pond or forest that would be just the place for a turtle. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Start gently and gradually. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. So, its better to be careful. As they feel frightened, they proceed to pee on you as one of their defensive measures as it allows more space for them to withdraw into their shells and shut it tighter as they do. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Hence people always come with some unique queries. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. . The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Manage Settings Even if you opt for a screen top for your tank, its best if the cells of that screen are as wide as possible to allow ample UVB lightto reach the turtle. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. They will drown in a tank of water. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. While sunlight will provide all the ultraviolet light a turtle needs in the wild, its not enough to simply have your enclosure near a sunlit window. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. Can box turtle pee hurt you? They often follow their owners around the house with their heads down, looking at them intently.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-110{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Common UTI Symptoms. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. The first one is that turtles are really small, so they will have a bladder of appropriate size. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. So, yes! Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. There are a few main aspects of survival that are essential to turtles, and if you can take care of these needs, youll be well on your way to creating a close relationship with your turtle. Turtles can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. Forming a bond with your pet over time and gaining its trust will also help to prevent it feeling stressed when you pick it up.